NYPD Chief Reflects on Response to ISIS-Inspired Attack

In a recent interview, New York City Police Chief Aaron Edwards shared his thoughts on the March 7 incident said to be motivated by ISIS, which involved a bomb explosion during a protest outside Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s residence.

The two suspects, Ibrahim Qayumi, 19, and Emir Barat, 18, allegedly detonated a homemade device, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Edwards, along with Detective Sergeant Luis Navarro, acted quickly to tackle the situation.

During the interview with CBS News, Edwards recounted how he leaped over a barricade with one aim: “I’m going to catch the bad guy.” He described a critical moment when it dawned on him how serious the situation truly was. “At that instant, my focus was solely on saving as many lives as possible,” he reflected.

He also referenced a widely circulated photo of himself jumping the barrier that had gained over 26 million views on social media since being shared by NYPD News. “I hope that image represents not just me, but the entire day and our collective efforts,” he stated in a follow-up on ABC7. “It’s a reminder to New Yorkers of the relentless pursuit of justice by our police officers.”

Detective Navarro shared with reporters that this was the most intense scenario he had encountered in his 11 years with the NYPD. “We’ve been training in counter-terrorism, marksmanship—everything we’ve learned came together in that moment,” he noted.

According to CBS News, both suspects now face terrorism charges. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch labeled it a “premeditated attack motivated by extremist ideology and inspired by a violent foreign terrorist organization.” Mayor Mamdani announced on Monday that the suspects were charged with committing “heinous acts of terrorism and declaring allegiance to ISIS.”

Edwards concluded, “My sole focus was on capturing the suspect; nothing was going to obstruct my way,” reflecting the urgency and seriousness of the incident.